THIS IS A COMBAT CLASS WHERE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PHYSICALLY HITTING EACH OTHER. In order to attend you must be proficient at basic strikes and kicks. If you are unsure of your level please speak to the coach before booking.
Please do not buy a ticket without doing this. You will not be able to participate in the class if you are not at the required level, we reserve the right to turn you away. Get in touch!
Email: the.bender.defenders@gmail.com
!!Please buy a mouthguard!!
no mouthguard = no sparring. In this class you will learn how to fight in a dynamic setting.
This is an environment where you get to practice on each other what you learn in the classes. You will learn strikes, movements, defences and fighting tactics.
CONTROLLED VIOLENCE. In this space you are expected to control your power but still become comfortable hitting and being hit.
Leave your ego at the door.
Every week we reserve free spaces for people on a low income/unwaged, transwomen/transfems people and QTBIPOC, funded by the Westfield East Bank Creative Futures Fund. If this is you, and you can't get (or afford) a ticket, message @bender_defenders_ on instagram or email at the.bender.defenders@gmail.com
Before you book, please take a look at the T&C.
What to expect:
You will practice everything you learnt in the other classes. Overall we approach sparring playfully and respectfully.
The aim of this is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn to think and respond when under pressure.
Everything you learn in these classes can be used in self defence, however we do not run these classes with the aim of having to defend ourselves in mind. As a community we are already very hypervigilant and we do not need reminders that we might be in danger.
The class consists of:
- Warmup (10mins)
- Technique
- Sparring drills
- Freestyle sparring
- Stretch
Our approach to fitness:
Your best will always be enough. Please remember that it is okay and normal to find exercise challenging, it doesn’t mean you’re ‘bad at it’. It usually just means you’re pushing yourself or going out of your comfort zone. Be gentle with yourself when things feel difficult and only push yourself within your window of tolerance (we do not make assumptions about what that looks like because it is different for everyone). We appreciate that sometimes just turning up is an achievement (we’ve all been there).
Come as you are - you don't need to be ‘good at it’ or ‘be fit’. We understand everyone has their own relationships with bodies and exercise and these can often bring up complicated feelings from peoples past experiences. We avoid cultures of toxic masculinity and fitness in our classes. We do this by encouraging you to listen to your bodies, take breaks when you need it and try not to compare yourself to anyone else. You are not going to be the only one struggling with something! Many feel that way.
If you are struggling with something, give the coach a wave and let them know. We will suggest modifications or find another way to explain the movements to you.
We welcome queers of all abilities, particularly those who don't feel at home in mainstream gyms. We don't tolerate transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, racism or fascism.
NO COPS AND SOLDIERS IN OUR CLASSES.